Israel’s 2024 agreement covered 25 additional F-35 fighter aircraft for its third F-35 squadron. Reported at approximately $3 billion, the package included support and maintenance services and was expected to raise the Israeli Air Force’s planned fleet from 50 to 75 aircraft. Deliveries were scheduled to begin in 2028 at three to five aircraft per year.
What Israel agreed to buy in 2024
On April 6, 2024, Israel’s Ministry of Defense announced an agreement with the U.S. government for 25 additional F-35s. The purchase was intended to equip Israel’s third F-35 squadron. The Congressional Research Service reports that the letter of acceptance was signed on June 4, 2024.
The deal was reported at approximately $3 billion. The package included support and maintenance services, but the available announcements do not provide an itemized breakdown of the total. They therefore do not establish a final cost per aircraft.
How the agreement was expected to change the fleet
The planned effect of the 2024 purchase was to increase Israel’s F-35 fleet from 50 to 75 aircraft. That figure describes the expected total after the additional aircraft, not a verified count of aircraft delivered or in service. The Ministry’s announcement set a delivery schedule beginning in 2028, at three to five aircraft per year.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →#1 Best Overall
- The F-35A Lightning II is the definitive fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter of the United States Air Force, designed to dominate modern air combat through unprecedented sensor fusion and low-observable technology
- 1:72 Scale Military Die-cast Plane Model. The size of the aircraft model is 8.7*5.9*2.2 inches, the weight is 0.45 pounds. This F-35A aircraft model requires no assembly and can be displayed directly after purchase
- The fighter casing is a high quality alloy, The tire and the propeller is engineering plastic. The stand base keeps the model plane in good condition
- F-35A military aircraft model accurately reproduces the appearance and details of the real jet airplane, including the visible cockpit, missiles hanging from the bottom, smooth lines and glossy curved surface
- Metal Airplane model is an excellent gift for aerospace enthusiasts, making it a fantastic birthday present and keepsake. It is suitable for display in the living room, study, or office
How the 2026 squadron plan differs
In May 2026, Israel’s Ministry of Defense announced that a procurement committee had approved a plan to acquire a fourth F-35 squadron and a second F-15IA squadron. This is a separate, later plan; it was not part of the 2024 agreement for the third F-35 squadron.
| Announcement | Squadron | Aircraft | Status described |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 agreement | Third F-35 squadron | 25 additional F-35s | Agreement; planned fleet total of 75 |
| May 2026 announcement | Fourth F-35 squadron and second F-15IA squadron | Quantities not stated in the announcement summary | Procurement committee approved an acquisition plan |
What the reported $3 billion includes—and what it does not tell us
The approximate $3 billion figure is a reported value for the 2024 agreement, whose package included support and maintenance. The sources do not divide the amount among aircraft, support, maintenance, or other costs. It should not be treated as a confirmed per-jet price or as a simple aircraft-only total.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 1/72nd scale
- Precisely reproduced panel lines of upper and lower body
- Authentic markings for three versions included
- Positionable canopy, bay doors, and landing gear; Seated pilot figure also included
- Paint and glue not included
Rank #4
- AIR FORCE FEATURES REALISTIC DETAIL. F-35 is one of the most advanced fighter jet currently in the air. OTONOPI F-35 fighter jet designed base on the real one, 1:72 in scale, 8.7*5.5*2.4inches in size, fits well in little hands.
- PULL BACK & RELEASE AIRPLANE. OTONOPI fighter aircraft comes with pull back and release function, kids would be thrilled by pulling back then letting go and watching it roll forward by itself.
- BOMBER PLANE WITH LIGHTS & SOUNDS. With a slight press of the nose of the military airplane, three lights would flash along with the sounds effect. Kids would be delighted by such an additional highlight.
- SPECIAL ROTATING ENGINE. The Model F-35 is a short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft, it can hover in the air thanks to its special rotating engine. The engine can be rotated for 90 degree, kids could learn more from this fighter jet.
- COMES WITH DISPLAY STAND. F-35 attack plane comes with a display stand. It can be used as exquisite decorations and collection for offices, homes, and it is also a perfect gift for aviation enthusiasts, military personnel or collectors.
Rank #3
- Authentic F-35 Lightning II Model: A meticulously detailed 1:144 scale replica of the F-35A Lightning II, the conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) variant of Lockheed Martin's advanced Joint Strike Fighter, used by the U.S. Air Force and Allied nations.
- Die-Cast Metal Construction: Constructed from durable die-cast metal with select plastic parts for added detail, this model is built for collectors who appreciate accuracy and craftsmanship.
- Fifth-Generation Stealth Fighter: Features realistic design elements that highlight the F-35’s cutting-edge stealth technology, fighter speed, and agility. Modeled after aircraft AF08-0747, the first F-35A delivered to the USAF in service.
- Compact and Display-Ready: Model measures approximately 4 1/8 inches long with a 2 7/8 inch wingspan, making it an excellent addition to any aviation collection or display shelf.
- Includes Display Stand: Comes with a custom plastic stand to display the aircraft in an in-flight pose, recommended for adult collectors and military aviation enthusiasts ages 14 and up.
Rank #2
- 【Newly designed assembly model】The F-35 fighter jet assembly model kit is based on the real F-35 fighter jet, and the appearance carefully restores the classic features of the F35 fighter jet, such as the unique aircraft shape, exquisite spraying details and airplane model wheels, etc. The fighter jet model perfectly demonstrates the modern technology of the military aircraft. And the texture is very good, making the model look more refined.
- 【Easy-to-use assembly experience】The parts of the F-35 fighter jet model kit are carefully designed and made with good compatibility and fit, and can be assembled without special tools. It comes with an assembly step-by-step diagram, so even beginners can easily get started. At the same time, the assembled F35 fighter jet model is also movable, the cabin can be opened, and the fighter wheels can also move, bringing you a more vivid display effect.
- 【Product size and painting】The F-35 fighter model kit is restored according to the prototype ratio of 1:72, with specific dimensions of 24.5*17.5*5 and a weight of 0.175 pounds. The F35 fighter jet model is made of high-quality plastic material, which is not only sturdy and durable, but also not easy to oxidize and fade. The material is exquisite and lightweight, it has no sharp edges, and can effectively prevent the model from being damaged during assembly and play, which is safer.
- 【Unique decoration and gift】The F-35 fighter model is not only a beautiful handicraft, but also can be used as a decoration and collection. It is very suitable for military enthusiasts and model collectors to collect or give as gifts. For teenagers and children, the assembly process of this 1/72 F35 airplane model can exercise hands-on ability. Whether you collect it yourself or share it with like-minded people, this F35 military aircraft model can bring you endless fun and satisfaction.
- 【Worry-free Purchase】The product contains tiny parts, be careful not to let children swallow them by mistake. The fighter model kit uses a hard carton as the outer packaging to better protect the helicopter from damage during transportation. We insist on strict production requirements to control the quality of this F35 military fighter jet model to ensure that every customer is satisfied with the high-quality product. If you encounter any problems, please feel free to contact us!
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
